Illinois is located in the Midwest and is often considered a microcosm of the United States. Illinois itself is a very complex state, consisting of farms and natural resources in the south, small industrial cities in the center, and Chicago – a major U.S. city. Because of the state’s vast farmlands, agriculture is one of its economies largest contributors; but its Chicago’s growing population that makes it the best city in the state to look for a job in the health care industry. There were 2,200 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Illinois in the year 2013, and future total employment is expected to reach 2,570 by 2020.
As a state with a slightly higher cost of living, sonographers employed in Illinois receive an annual median wage just over the national median. The outlook for total employment in the state is positive, with an expected growth of 27% between 2010 and 2020.
Ultrasound Tech Programs in Illinois
Ultrasound education is commonly offered through either a certificate or degree program. As a student you will learn about human anatomy and basic organ function. You will also learn how to use medical imaging equipment and how to communicate with patients. Ultrasound education may prepare you for a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer, a radiologic technician, a cardiovascular technician or an MRI specialist.
Certification Requirements in Illinois
Certification is not a requirement in Illinois for diagnostic medical sonographers. There are 9 private and public schools in the state where students can receive either their associate, bachelor’s, or their under 2 year certification in diagnostic medical sonography. Of these 9 schools, 7 offer a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Technicians may also complete an exam under the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) if they choose to achieve certification.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Illinois
The annual median salary for ultrasound technicians in 2013 was $68,900. Those who earned in the top 10% of ultrasound technicians averaged an annual salary of $90,400; while those in the bottom 10% earned $43,900. Diagnostic medical sonographers who chose to be paid on an hourly basis averaged a median wage of $33.14 an hour in 2013.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security has estimated a positive outlook for the growth of employment for ultrasound technicians, with a 27% increase in total number of jobs occurring between 2010 and 2020. This growth should see a total of 2,570 technicians employed by 2020. Job openings are also slated at a projected 90 annual openings due to growth and net replacement.
Illinois Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (all) | $33.14 | $68,900 |
| Champaign – Urbana, IL | $31.42 | $65,400 |
| Chicago – Joliet – Naperville, IL | $34.74 | $72,300 |
| Lake County – Kenosha County, IL | $37.09 | $77,100 |
| Peoria, IL | $26.86 | $55,900 |
| Rockford, IL | $33.61 | $69,900 |
| Springfield, IL | $32.04 | $66,600 |
Source: Illinois Wage Information (2013)
Recommended Schools in Illinois
More Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois
Additional ultrasound tech schools in Illinois include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Benedictine University | 5700 College Rd, Lisle, Illinois 60532 |
| Carl Sandburg College | 2400 Tom L. Wilson Boulevard, Galesburg, Illinois 61401 |
| College of DuPage | 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137 |
| Danville Area Community College | 2000 E Main St, Danville, Illinois 61832 |
| Harper College | 1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, Illinois 60067 |
| John A Logan College | 700 Logan College Road, Carterville, Illinois 62918 |
| Kaskaskia College | 27210 College Rd, Centralia, Illinois 62801 |
| Lewis University | One University Parkway, Romeoville, Illinois 60446 |
| Midwestern Career College | 20 North Wacker Drive Ste 3800, Chicago, Illinois 60606 |
| South Suburban College | 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois 60473 |
| Triton College | 2000 5th Ave, River Grove, Illinois 60171 |